A Flow-Based Approach for the Optimal Location and Sizing of Hydrogen Refueling Stations Along a Highway Corridor

Salvatore Micari (), Antonino Salvatore Scardino, Giuseppe Napoli, Luciano Costanzo, Orlando Marco Belcore and Antonio Polimeni
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Salvatore Micari: National Research Council of Italy Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy, 98126 Messina, Italy
Antonino Salvatore Scardino: National Research Council of Italy Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy, 98126 Messina, Italy
Giuseppe Napoli: National Research Council of Italy Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy, 98126 Messina, Italy
Luciano Costanzo: National Research Council of Italy Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy, 98126 Messina, Italy
Orlando Marco Belcore: Department of Engineering, University of Messina, 98158 Messina, Italy
Antonio Polimeni: Department of Engineering, University of Messina, 98158 Messina, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: The development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure plays a strategic role in enabling the decarbonization of the transport sector, especially along major freight and passenger corridors such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Despite the growing interest in hydrogen mobility, existing methodologies for the optimal location of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) remain fragmented and often overlook operational dynamics. Following a review of the existing literature on HRS location models and approaches, this study highlights key methodological gaps that hinder effective infrastructure planning. In response, a two-stage framework is proposed, combining a flow-based location model with a stochastic queueing approach to determine both the optimal placement of HRS and the number of dispensers required at each site. The method is applied to a real segment of the TEN-T network in Northern Italy. The results demonstrate the flexibility of the model in accommodating different hydrogen vehicle penetration scenarios and its utility as a decision-support tool for public authorities and infrastructure planners.

Keywords: hydrogen refueling stations; flow-based location model; fuel cell electric vehicles; TEN-T corridor; hydrogen mobility planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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